German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the European Union to finalize a “quick and simple” trade agreement with the United States, rather than pursue a “slow and complicated” deal.
Speaking at the close of an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday, Merz said time is running out as a July 9 deadline on tariff measures looms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed that a new trade proposal had been received from the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
“We have less than two weeks until July 9,” Merz told reporters. “There is no way to reach a complex trade deal in that time.”
He warned that key German industries—including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, steel, aluminum, and automotive—are already burdened by high tariffs, placing businesses at risk.
Von der Leyen also floated the idea of a new trade organization to gradually replace the World Trade Organization (WTO), which she noted has struggled to function effectively in recent years. The proposed body would feature mechanisms for resolving trade disputes similar to those under the WTO.
“You all know the WTO is no longer functioning,” Merz said.
As for other trade matters, Merz said EU leaders remain largely united in their desire to finalize a trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc as soon as possible. Only “minor disagreements” persist among EU member states, he added.
